A variety of "off the shelf" orthotic devices are also fitted and dispensed from our facilities, such as:

Thoracolumbar and Lumbar supports

Knee Supports

Ankle Supports

Wrist, Hand and Finger Splints

The majority of devices are manufactured on site, however, depending on the doctor's prescription, some knee braces are custom made from companies such as Ossur Generation II, Karl Hager Limb & Brace, Innovation Sports, etc. Specific courses were attended to become certified in fitting and dispensing most of these devices.

This list is not comprehensive as the staff at Eagle Orthopaedics enjoy the challenge of creating new and innovative devices specific to clients needs.

Definitions

Ankle Foot Orthosis

Ankle Foot Orthoses are externally applied devices that aim to control the foot and ankle complex. The style of AFO depends on the needs of each client. Common users of these devices include children with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy or other neuromuscular problems. Stroke victims, Multiple Sclerosis patients, and many other people with various pathologies also often benefit from the use of an AFO.

The goal of an AFO can be as simple as maintaining a good position of the foot while seated in a wheelchair, or as complex as trying to ensure a smooth, consistent gait pattern. They can also be used to assist with transfers to and from a wheelchair. Several designs are commonly available including Hinged, Rigid, Flexible or Anterior Shell AFO. We are not limited to this list and enjoy the challenge of designing new ideas or combining attributes of old ideas to produce a unique device for each client.

Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis

The Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis is an externally applied orthosis used to control the knee and ankle. It is very beneficial for individuals with valgus (knock knees), varus (bow legs) or hyperextension deformities in combination with neuromuscular problems in the lower legs. People who suffer from pathologies such as spinal cord injuries, post polio, etc benefit from the use of a KAFO. These devices control the knee and foot enough to aid standing and walking for some clients, while others use them to maintain stability for transfers to and from their wheel chair.

Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis

The Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis is similar to a KAFO, but with the addition of hip joints and a waist belt. This is not often used as most individuals who require one of these devices prefer to use a wheelchair due to the increased effort in using this style of device. Children are most often the ones who utilize these as the physical and psychological benefits of weight bearing activities are well documented. However the RGO will often replace this device due to the option to walk with a Reciprocating Gait Orthosis.

Reciprocating Gait Orthosis

The RGO includes bilateral HKAFO's that have the two hip joints attached by a cable or other such device so as to extend one hip while the other is flexing. The design of these devices have progressed greatly in the past few years and they tend to be relatively low profile and can be worn under clothing. Children with Spina Bifida are the most common population who utilize this device, as they often do not have the muscular strength or control to hold themselves in a standing position without support. Used in combination with a walker or forearm crutches, the child can be independently mobile and interact with other children on a more equal basis. The physical benefits of weight bearing as children include increased bone density, increased bowel and bladder function and many others. These devices are also available in adult sizes, and some individuals with low level spinal cord injuries or even adult Spina Bifida clients may be able to use them. However the amount of energy required to walk is much more than that required to use a wheelchair, so most adults opt for the chair.

Wrist Hand Orthosis

Wrist Hand Orthoses are external devices that stabilize or immobilize the wrist joint. They can also have options that extend to the fingers or thumb to help with control, increase grip strength, or correct deformities. Common users of WHO's include individuals with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, arthritis in the wrist or hand, etc.

Parapodium & Standing Frame

These devices consist of a large, flat base of support with two uprights that extend up the sides of the legs and torso. The knees, hips and chest are strapped into this frame to support the individual in a standing position when it is not possible for the person to support himself or herself. This is used most often with children who have Spina Bifida before they are ready for an RGO. It enables them to weight bear through their legs and gain all the benefits associated with that. Most children learn to maneuver around in them with the aid of a walker, thus allowing more independence.

The difference between a standing frame and a parapodium is that the parapodium had joints at the knees and hips that unlock to allow the child to sit while remaining in the frame.

Spinal Orthosis

There are many different kinds of spinal orthoses that range from soft, low support to very rigid, high support. The low support style include elastic, or cotton corsets with low temperature moldable back panels, or steel stays. They utilize the theory that the plastic or steel will stabilize the spine from the outside and the snug fit of the corset will increase inter-abdominal pressure to stabilize the spine from the inside.

The next step up in stability would be a Harris Brace made from aluminum and leather with an elastic front. There is also a plastic hybrid device that replaces the metal back section with custom molded plastic.

Immobilization jackets are the most stable external device for the spine. They consist of circumferential custom molded plastic. These are used for individuals with severe instabilities in the spine, scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.

The cervical spine (neck) also falls into this category and many options are available through off the shelf supports as well as custom made. Often, an off the shelf device can be modified, or combined with a custom support to create a unique device specific to the client's needs.

Knee Braces/Orthosis

Knee Orthoses are used for any knee ligament instability or cartilage damage. The brace will support and protect the joint capsule during activities. Often the damage is the result of an acute injury incurred while participating in a sport. Osteoarthritis in the knee joint is another common problem leading to the need for a knee orthosis.

Many different companies offer a wide selection of custom made knee orthoses. We commonly deal with companies such as Ossur Generation II and Karl Hager Knee Centre. However, if necessary, we do fabricate them on site as well.

Foot Orthotic

Custom made insoles are beneficial for people with all types of foot, ankle, knee or hip pain. They are designed with the specific needs of each client in mind and aim to correct or accommodate any alignment problems or deformities in the foot and ankle complex, thus decreasing the amount of discomfort experienced. Plantar Fasciitis and Metatarsalgia are common pathologies that can be dealt with successfully through the use of custom foot orthotics.

SWASH Orthosis

SWASH - Standing, Walking and Sitting Hip Orthosis. This orthosis is fitted by a Certified Orthotist/Certified Prosthesis/Orthotist (CP/CPO) who has attended a certification program. It transfers adductor tone proximally to enhance standing posture and stability. The adjustable abduction helps to prevent scissoring which enables a more fluid gait. Abduction decreases with hip flexion, providing stable "3-point" base of support. It is also ideal for maintaining hip integrity and stable independent sitting.

SMART Walker

The SMART Walker is a gait training orthosis that was developed to help and encourage a child with cerebral palsy or similar physical condition to learn to stand and ambulate with hands-free support. The device is comprised of two main components, a customized brace that fits around the child's trunk and lower limbs and a stylish sturdy wheeled frame. Some benefits of a SMART Walker are:-